CERGE – EI / IDEA Event Prag December 13, 2018 - On the Mysteries of the Swiss Dual Vocational Education and Training - What the Czech Republic Can Learn

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by Ben

Novartis Business Services presents a Vocational Education & Training (VET) approach in Switzerland and explains why the company invests in apprenticeship models aligned with the Swiss dual system. The material describes targeted professions, the organization of theoretical and practical training through external partners (aprentas) and mandates for cantons and professional organizations, and Novartis’s role within the VET network. It also outlines benefits for Novartis, including employer attractiveness, high graduation rates, productive contributions, knowledge transfer to internal supervisors, and further employability of graduates.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

Why does Novartis invest in VET?

What professions do we train?

What is our role in the VET network?

How do we organize the training?

What is the aprentas training cooperation?

What are benefits for Novartis?

Novartis Business Services Vocational Education & Training (VET) at Novartis Pharma AG, Switzerland Sandro Crameri, Head of HR University Relations & Apprentices Novartis Pharma AG Switzerland CERGE – EI / IDEA Event, Prague, December 13, 2018 On the Mysteries of the Swiss Dual Vocational Education and Training: What the Czech Republic Can Learn Why does Novartis invest in VET ? We want to • develop future talents in professions relevant for our industry. • train beyond our own needs to ensure sustainability in the system. • follow clear standards that ensure high quality. • promote our image as attractive and responsible employer. • be respected for the commitment to promote young people. Novartis Business Services / Vocational Education & Training Business Use Only What professions do we train ? Novartis trains about 290 vocational trainees in 11 professions and offers a one year assignment in the Strategic key professions Lab technicianchemistry Commercialadmin assistant Automation engineer US to 4 graduates after the final exams. natural sciences commercial technical other Novartis Business Services / Vocational Education & Training Business Use Only What is our role in the VET network ? Novartis, as professional organization • employs and takes care of vocational trainees / apprentices • selects professional trainers amongst its associates • ensures practical on-the-job training • defines internal quality standards • develops the internal strategy • coordinates the network and influences training content Professional Organizations • Training content • apprenticeships Confederation • Strategic Management • Development Cantons • Implementation • Supervision Source: SBFI, Vocational Education and Training in Switzerland – Facts and Figures 2018 Novartis Business Services / Vocational Education & Training Business Use Only How do we organize the training ? Theoretical and practical training is organized in a threefold system supported by an external training partner “aprentas”. Vocational schooling at aprentas • General education • Optional: Federal vocational baccalaureate • Train the trainers Mandate of the canton Vocational training at aprentas • Branch courses • Basic practical training • Essential techniques for onthe job training Practical training at Novartis • On-the-job training • Mentored by supervisors • Integrated into culture • Productive work Mandate of the professional organization Novartis Business Services / Vocational Education & Training Business Use Only What is the aprentas training cooperation ? aprentas enables VPET training for big, mid and small sized companies in natural scientific, technical and commercial professions • More than 70 membership firms, two main supporter • General education, branch courses, pratical basic training, train the trainers • Further professional education and training courses • Certified quality management [Source: www.aprentas.com](Source: www.aprentas.com) Novartis Business Services / Vocational Education & Training Business Use Only What are benefits for Novartis? • Attractive employer, respected for commitment – Attracting >1500 applicants for ~90 training positions every year – Positive reputational impact • Highly qualified, committed and loyal talent pool, now and in future – >95 % graduation ratio, 30% with excellent results – Productive contributions already during vocational training – 40% to 60% are hired directly after graduation – Around 20% continue with further studies – Fast on boarding, knowledge of tools, processes and culture – Sustained employability of graduates Novartis Business Services / Vocational Education & Training Business Use Only Benefits for Novartis continued • Knowledge transfer and development of Novartis internal supervisors – Theory and practice ideally comple

FAQs

Why does Novartis invest in vocational education and training (VET)?

Novartis aims to develop future industry-relevant talent, train beyond its own needs to support system sustainability, maintain clear quality standards, and strengthen its image as an attractive, responsible employer.

What is Novartis’s role in the VET network?

Novartis employs and supports trainees/apprentices, selects professional trainers among its associates, ensures practical on-the-job training, defines internal quality standards, develops internal strategy, and coordinates the network while influencing training content.

How is training organized in the Swiss dual system described here?

Training uses a threefold system with an external partner (“aprentas”) for vocational schooling and branch/basic courses, cantonal mandates for training obligations, and practical on-the-job training at Novartis supported by supervisors and integrated into culture.

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by Ben